CAO BẰNG - Bản Giốc Waterfall in Đàm Thủy Commune, Trùng Khánh District in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bằng has been named among the 21 most beautiful waterfalls in the world by US travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

According to the magazine, the Bản Giốc Waterfall comprises a series of cascades that straddle the border between Việt Nam and China.

“In a stunning show of power and grandeur, water flows endlessly through pools, down tiers, and over cliffs in a unique horseshoe shape,” it described.

The recognition comes after sightseeing tours of the Bản Giốc (Việt Nam) - Detian (China) Waterfall scenic area officially opened to both countries’ visitors in September 2023.

Not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Việt Nam, Bản Giốc is also among the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the world's four largest waterfalls lying on a border between countries.

The waterfall has been a popular tourist attraction in Cao Bằng. A trip to the waterfall allows visitors to admire the majestic artistry of nature, enjoy the fresh air, discover the unique culture of the local ethnic community and taste local cuisine.

The Bản Giốc Waterfall is located about 335km from Hà Nội, which would take around seven hours to travel by car. Tourists from the central and southern regions can fly to Hà Nội and then take a coach to travel onward to Cao Bằng Province. Adventurous tourists can also drive to the place themselves.

Situated at the northernmost part of Việt Nam, combined with the terrain that is exposed to the winds, the climate around the Bản Giốc Waterfall is distinctly divided into two seasons – the rainy season and the dry season.

From June to September, the locality receives heavy downpours, which cause the water flow to become even more turbulent and forceful, crashing down and generating an abundance of white foaming water. Many people believe this is the ideal time for a visit to admire the beauty and feel the majestic power of nature.

Tourists who do not enjoy the rains should visit from September through December, when the Bản Giốc Waterfall enters its driest and most autumnal season. During this time, the sky is clear and blue, and the climate is wonderfully cool and refreshing. The most spectacular scenes come when the water of the Quây Sơn River below reflects a stunning emerald green colour. 

Visiting Bản Giốc and taking a boat to observe the powerful waterfall cascading down dozens of metres is an experience that cannot be missed. The massive amount of water pouring into the calm river below will make you feel the fierce and wild vitality of nature, amidst the tranquil earth and sky and the lush green surroundings.

Going on a picnic during the day or camping overnight next to the waterfall is also a popular activity for tourists.

“Enjoying the breathtaking mountain and waterfall scenery together with your companions, and sipping on some spicy wine, leaves me feeling refreshed and more serene than ever before,” said Nguyễn Thị Lan, a tourist from Cao Bằng City.

Other enticing activities for tourists here include trekking through the vast and majestic forest, immersing oneself in the expansive mountain landscape, learning about the local life and enjoying the local ethnic minority cuisine. 

A must-try local dish of the area is grilled trầm hương (agarwood) fish. The specialty fish, which comes from the Bản Giốc Waterfall, is named after its main food – the roots and decaying leaves of the agarwood tree.

The fish are caught directly by the local people, then cleaned and prepared, stuffed with a few types of vegetables and seasonings, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over a charcoal fire.

The aroma of the fish is truly mouthwatering, and the firm yet delicious meat will satisfy even the most difficult gourmets. 

Other signature dishes from Cao Bằng include roasted duck with seven spices – a skillfully prepared dish that combines seven traditional spices, roasted over charcoal – and bánh khảo (sweet shortcake made of roast glutinous rice flour), which are regularly brought home by tourists as gifts for their relatives. 

From the Bản Giốc Waterfall, tourists can also visit many other famous attractions in Cao Bằng, such as Ngườm Ngao Cave, the Pác Bó historical relic site, and Phật Tích Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc Temple.

Tourists are highly encouraged to bring along a smartphone or camera with a large memory capacity to capture every stunning moment. VNS